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I've searched a lot on when Child Maintenance ends but a lot are vague or seem to apply to England.
Child Maintenance Consultant (William) on here posts links to:
https://www.gov.uk/manage-child-maintenance-case
This link doesn't say anything about when Child Maintenance Ends.
MyGov.scot says:
"when the child reaches 16 (or 20 if they're in full-time education not higher than Scottish Highers or equivalent). They could stop sooner in some situations."
Again, this is unhelpful.
So far I have seen it say that it on the child leaving school, - there is only one in my circumstances - maintenance is payable until Child Benefit ends - this seems to be 31st August.
Other advice is until the English schools start - the first back after the summer holidays - the first week in September. However I live in Scotland and so does my ex wife and daughter.
My 'child' is starting University after the school holidays, so when will maintenance stop in my case?
Thanks
hi,
yes this is a confusing topic. common answer i found is if child finished non-advanced education in summer, then should pay maintenance until september of that year.
Thanks for the reply. Much appreciated.
Does that apply to Scotland as well, as the schools go back in Scotland in the middle of August?
i think so. this scotland site repeats the same info:
Thanks for the link. As before it says:
"when the child reaches 16 (or 20 if they're in full-time education not higher than Scottish Highers or equivalent). They could stop sooner in some situations."
This doesn't mention September at all.
Despite this I think you're right. While Scottish and English laws having some differences I think the start and finish dates for maintenance will be the same for the whole UK.
I am in a similar situation with my kid being 17 but just finished college and away to start university, which as far as i am aware, is above higher education and is advanced/further education
i have had to make an appointment with a solicitor as there is so much contradicting info online
if they are starting university then that's definitely advanced education and you don't carry on paying maintenance.